Ulta Rath Yatra: 6 People Fall to Death from Electrocution in Tripura, Several Injured Rushed to Hospital

6 people including women and children died, 15 others were injured during Ulta Rath Yatra in Tripura from electrocution as the chariot contacted a high-tension wire.

Written by: Arjita Gupta

Edited by: Krutarth Ghosalkar

Last Updated: July 01, 2023

At least six people, including two children, passed away from a terrifying accident while pulling the Ulta Rath. They succumbed to electrocution as the chariot caught fire on coming in contact with a high-voltage overhead cable at 4:30 PM in the Kumarghat area. Reports of 15 others injured also emerged during the Lord Jagannath’s Ulta Rath Yatra incident in Unakoti district, Tripura. Those who died also had three women and two children among others. The situation was brought under control with fire services arriving at the scene.

The police informed that people with burn injuries and other health issues were rushed to Kumarghat and Kailashahar hospitals because of the incident. After this 7 more people who were in critical condition were taken to GB Pant Hospital in Agartala. The accident happened when thousands of people pulling the chariot. The Rath came in contact with an overhead 133 kv cable. A fire broke out as the chariot contacted the high-tension wire. Some of the vehicle parts were also engulfed in flames and burning individuals fell on the road.

It was a horrific sight. Tripura CM Manik Saha visited Kumarghat from Agartala by train to Ulta Rath Yatra today to take stock of the situation. CM Manik Saha expressed his condolences, saying he is “deeply saddened" by the incident. Manik Saha, the Tripura CM traveled by train from Agartala to Kumarghar for a visit. He went to take stock of the current scenario at the Ulta Rath Yatra and expressed his condolences.

The chief minister said he was deeply saddened because of the unfortunate incident as several pilgrims lost their precious lives. Also, the electrocution during Rath’s pulling led to people getting injured. The Tripura CM said that he wished speedy recovery for injured people and that in this challenging time, the state government is here to support them.

Ratan Lal Nath, the Power Minister also instructed a prompt investigation on the matter and submission of a report to the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Ltd., without any delay. Animesh Debbarma, an opposition leader of the Tipra Motha asked the authorities to deal strictly with those behind the lapses that caused the accident. He alleged that the accident occurred because the local administration was not attentive enough.